Rules for Engaging the Earl

MacGregor’s dramatic but drawn-out second Widow Rules Regency romance (after A Duke in Time) sees effervescent Constance Lysander reuniting with her first love, the reclusive Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Having suffered enough scandal, Constance, the pregnant widow of a late polygamist whose other wives have become her close friends, seeks out Jonathan to be the father to her daughter 10 years after he left her for the war. But Jonathan’s emotional scars are as deep as his physical ones, and he’s facing a court-martial on trumped-up charges. He worries he’ll only bring Constance more shame, but agrees to marry for the sake of her daughter. Still, he’s constantly trying to keep Constance at arm’s length, which has the effect of alienating readers, as well. Constance works hard to be a good wife, but the battle for Jonathan’s affection grinds on her. Will Jonathan reform his ways before he loses Constance forever? The romantic progression is two steps forward, one step back for much of the novel, but when Jonathan finally tries with Constance he becomes a hero to root for. Jonathan’s lovable, matchmaking butler steals every scene he’s in and Constance’s fellow widows remain a delight. There are some hiccups, but series fans will still find plenty to enjoy. (Apr.)